UW-Whitewater to launch master’s program in elementary middle education
May 08, 2025
Written by Chris Lindeke | Photos by Craig Schreiner
A leader in teacher education in Wisconsin for more than 150 years, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will launch a Master of Science in Education in Elementary Middle Education starting this fall.
The program — which was approved by the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents at a meeting in April and is pending final approval from the state’s Department of Public Instruction — provides a pathway for people with a bachelor’s degree to earn K-9 teacher licensure. Applications are welcome at this time, and admission will be confirmed upon receiving DPI approval.
The degree addresses a critical workforce need for elementary and middle school teachers in Wisconsin and throughout the region.
“UW-Whitewater is a leader in teacher education, and the MSE in Elementary Middle Education was created with the local and regional need for teachers in mind,” said Lana Collet-Klingenberg, dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies. “According to the Wisconsin DPI, the largest shortage area for licensure is now in regular education in elementary and middle school. This degree is ideal for working adults who have a degree outside of education or for paraprofessionals already working in schools.”
The MSE in Elementary Middle Education is a two-year, online, asynchronous program that allows students to work at their own pace. The curriculum includes courses and school-based placements in teaching mathematics, social studies, fine arts, science, and literacy before culminating with a full-time semester-long student teaching placement.
UW-Whitewater, which opened its doors in 1868 as a school for future teachers, licenses the most teachers in Wisconsin. In addition to its undergraduate programs, the university offers six other MSE educator preparation programs, including:
- Reading Instruction and Dyslexia Intervention
- Early Childhood Education Policy
- Instructional Design and Learning Technology
- Professional Studies (library media specialist)
- School Business Management and Leadership
- School Psychology (including Ed.S.)
